Greetings From Grey County

[Gummiente]

Ok, you've all probably heard the story before... an impressionable young kid sees the movie "White Line Fever" back in '75 and vows that some day he will be a truck driver, but life gets in the way and he ends up making other choices that send him down a different path.

Fast forward to the present day and that once young stud is now a military veteran, edging 50, who has just been laid off from his supposedly secure job as a Millwright in an ice cream factory (I know, you'd think it was the perfect job in a recession-proof industry but, no). Tired of working for buttheads and tired of being a skilled trade worker in an ever vanishing industrial setting, he has just thrown caution to the wind and launched what will be his third - and hopefully most successful - career...

Hi, I'm Mike and I live in the small town of Durham, Ontario, about 1.5hrs north of Guelph. I've just registered for the AZ Driver course at the Transport Training Centres of Canada Owen Sound location, with a launch date of 24 Aug. A Google search for Canadian trucker forums (I am very much a patriot) led me to this site and I figured I should join up and learn all I can about this new to me career change.

I'm not as starry eyed as I was back when I had more testosterone flowing through my veins, so I know that important things like "married life" and "time off" are going to take a beating and I am also aware that the industry is in a slump right now and that employment prospects are not as good as they were a few years ago. However, I have a wonderful wife and a strong marriage, as well as a naturally suspicious outlook on life thanks to my Army days, so I'm ready, willing and able to give it a shot.

I have absolutely no idea about what goes on inside the cab of a long haul rig, barely know which side of the CB mike to speak into, have only driven vehicles with 5-speed transmissions and can't tell a Kenworth from a Mack at 50ft, so I'll be looking to the experienced drivers for input and pearls of wisdom as I learn the ropes. Or whatever the trucker slang is for that saying.

So be gentle, m'kay?

[Pipeman]

White lIne Fever......Hmmmmm....me thinks that Ed Wesselius was the stunt driver in that one. I could be mistaken with another movie.

[ralph]

With a summer like we're having in Southern Ontario who's eating ice cream? I'm guessing you were at Chapman's?

Welcome aboard Mike, things aren't great in the industry right now...recession, high fuel prices, high Canadian dollar, rate slashing...where should I quit?

When the economy does turn those in the industry that have survived should be well positioned. With the closing of the glass plant in Owen Sound and the Veneer plant in Durham, I'm sure things are quiet in your neck of the woods also.

As far as bigger fleets that do training/hire new drivers I'm thinking Warren Gibson from Alliston or Hyndman Transport from Wroxeter might be good choices for you. At least they are reasonably close to "the house".

[Gummiente]

You are correct, Ralph, I was at Chapman's. Funny thing is, we moved here all the way from Gananoque last year so I could take the job... which I had thought was a good idea at the time. Such is life. And, yep, the weather this year so far has not been conducive to good ice cream sales and after just sinking $15mil into an expansion with a new product line, I guess they were feeling the pinch just like everyone else.

I'm hearing more and more about me (and thousands of others) coming into the trucking industry at the wrong time, but it hasn't made me tuck tail and run away. Too stubborn for that. Right now I just want to enjoy my summer, then take the course and see what happens afterwards. Worst thing that can happen is I'll have another qualification to put on my resume.

Rode by Interforest (the veneer plant in Durham) this morning... it was sad to see that huge employee parking lot empty and the wood sprinklers shut off. If anything, it has hardened my resolve - what's the point of being a Millwright if there's no more industry to support?

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I have a friend who drives for Kriska out of their Prescott terminal. She put me in touch with the recruite rin Mississauga terminal and after exchanging a few emails we had a long chat on the phone. The recruiter was very honest and upfront about the industry in general and, although they have no openings right now, I will be contacting her again once the course is finished in September.

[bikerboy]

don't forget about the local hourly trucking jobs.

there are always local driving jobs around if you look

i know its not longhauling, and you probly want to experience long haul, but local is pretty good too.

[Gummiente]

i know its not longhauling, and you probly want to experience long haul, but local is pretty good too.
Actually, I'd much rather do short haul and be home more frequently, but there doesn't seem to be many opportunities in this area for that. There are occasional ads for DZ in construction - there's a LOT of highway resurfacing going on in southern Ontario right now, as you know - but it is seasonal at best and I'm looking for long term. I'm trying to get a feel of what the job situation is and everything I've seen so far indicates that AZ long haul out of a Mississauga, Brampton or Guelph terminal are about the only signs of life in the trucking industry. Plus, as it has been mentioned here and on other sites I've been lurking on, there's a lot of experienced AZ drivers who have been laid off and are looking for work... it just doesn't appear to be too rosy of an outlook for a newbie.

There are a couple of local companies whose websites I've booked, though, and I'll be giving them a call after the course. One of them is looking for live poultry haulers and are willing to train, but I have no idea what that involves.

[bikerboy]

some construction companies do have year round work for the right guys.

lots of companies in around owen sound, harold sutherland and miller, also there is sprung transport in owen sound and also echo.

i am back hauling concrete for now, might be on for winter working in shop and doing some concrete, i am not sure. i also might be able to get back into snowplowing.

if you want to stay local, it is possible to make it happen, and work year round you just gotta be flexible and want to work.

i am only 24 and been driving since i was 18, started out local for about 3 years, never laid off in winter,snowplowed for two winters then did 14 months of long haul and now back local. alot of seasonal jobs let you bank hours for winter, and some even let you work while on EI and bank all those hours for payment when you are back fulltime

my advice is try all the small companies around that have trucks once you get licence and tell them you will do anything. and even tho you might not start off in a truck, you will get into one eventually.

long haul sucks, you never know when you will be home, some companies also don;t even try to get you home on wknds.

you will do alot of sitting for free, at border and customers.

in my experience, local hourly work has a whole lot less headaches.

[Gummiente]

See, that's the kind of advice and experience I was hoping to find here. Much appreciated! :cheers:

[bikerboy]

another company close to you is plantt bros trucking, in maxwell, i think they run usa, worth a try

[ralph]

Winter work is also available with propane companies doing both local deliveries and hauling bulk propane...is there a Superior propane in your area, don't forget Sparling propane. Pay is better than hauling gravel and it could turn into year round work.

[Drifter]

Gummiente, may not hurt and might be interesting to you and better half to come on down to Fergus truck show this weekend, lots to see, and a lot of available information. Talking to some of the recruiters you may need to have a salt shaker with you as you will need a few grains with each conversation.
I deliver to your grocery stores in that area, Walkerton, chesley, Paisley etc.
Good Luck.

[Gummiente]

Drifter, that is an excellent idea! Thank you for posting this, I had heard the ads for the show on the radio but was too dumb to make the connection. :o Funny thing, the wife and I were discussing just the other night about what we should do this weekend... you've just solved the dilemma.

[Pipeman]

Hey Drifter, Say Hi to Gord Cooper of Smokin' Gun fame from Lucien.

[Mercenary]

Gummiente: I too am a Millwright who made the leap to trucking. Welcome to the fold:36_1_72[1]:

[Gummiente]

Thanks, Merc!

[Drifter]

Lucien` I don`t see smokin gun on the program Is the truck going to be there?

Google Fergus Truck Show for all info, programs, bands prices, directions etc.

[Pipeman]

Lucien` I don`t see smokin gun on the program Is the truck going to be there?

Google Fergus Truck Show for all info, programs, bands prices, directions etc.Yes, I was with Gord in Edmonton about 6 weeks ago and he told me that Shell wanted him there.

I'll check his site and report back.

[Pipeman]

Fergus July 24 - 26.

http://smokingunracing.com/page4.aspx

[Pipeman]

Have a look at the crew.

http://smokingunracing.com/page6.aspx

[1-800-bigtruck]

[quote=Gummiente;21629]



Rode by Interforest (the veneer plant in Durham) this morning... it was sad to see that huge employee parking lot empty and the wood sprinklers shut off. If anything, it has hardened my resolve - what's the point of being a Millwright if there's no more industry to support?

I took a lot of logs into Intreforest . Will kind of miss going there . Good luck on your new carreer choice . Actually , I believe that now might not be a bad time to start training , come next spring things should be turning around and good co.'s should be looking to hire good drivers .

[Gummiente]

Ok, just got a letter from FAST telling me that my application has been processed and that I need to book an appointment for an interview with one of their centres asap. My TTC AZ Driver's Course starts on Monday in Owen Sound, so things are gonna get busy real soon.
:crazy:

[bikerboy]

port huron is likely your closest FAST centre, its in the US customs truck building at the border

[ralph]

Maybe you can get to Port Huron this week yet, by the time school is done you should have your card and you will have a HUGE jump on all the other graduates.

Good luck to you!

ps: You may want to call the TWIC centre in Port Huron and get that ball rolling also.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=twic+michigan&fb=1&split=1&gl=ca&view=text&latlng=3134548974684532872

[Gummiente]

Bikerboy, Ralph, I was actually thinking of calling Fort Erie as it is the same distance as Sarnia from where I live and I can take the faster 400 series highways to get there. But I'll phone both offices to see who can get me in first.

Ralph, getting a jump on other grads is exactly why I applied for FAST as soon as I had booked my spot on the AZ course. But what exactly is a TWIC and why do I need it?

[Gummiente]

I'm booked for the FAST interview in Fort Erie on 2 Sep, that was the earliest I could get it.

[hellcat_99]

This is great new's.
Now to get ready for the real big world.
I wish you all the best in your new adventure's, & yes there will alway's be adventure's.
Holly:barmaid:

[ralph]

Ralph, getting a jump on other grads is exactly why I applied for FAST as soon as I had booked my spot on the AZ course. But what exactly is a TWIC and why do I need it?

Useing you head for more than a "hat rack", that's why you applied for your FAST card. You are thinking ahead and making yourself a more valuable find than a competing applicant. I am guessing you also have a passport though it really doesn't matter with the FAST card except that a FAST card only works @ a Canada/US/Mexico border so if you fly elsewhere you require a passport.

A TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card will allow you into US ports. MOST people think of ports being only on the two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico...they are mistaken. There are more in-land ports than on the coasts, you may never use it or need it but again to an up to date employer it makes you that much more valuable.

http://www.calltodecision.com/tql.htm

This web site will give you the "skinny" on TWIC>

[bikerboy]

to get into the fast centre at fort erie, follow the "trucks to usa exit here" signs, just before duty free, then go past the truck duty free parking, go under the overpass, and the fast centre is to your right as soon as you go under the overpass.there is a huge parking lot, and that is also the truck staging area, when the border gets backed up. i think you will have to come back through canada customs once you leave there, so be prepared for that.
hopefully they don't make you pay a toll after you come back through canada customs, since you didn;t even cross the bridge.

maybe there is a better way in there off a backstreet, maybe best to call and ask whats best way to get in and out of there.

both bridges, the peace bridge and the lewiston/queenston bridge only charge toll to come into canada, free to get into usa.

windsor and sarnia, cornwall, landsdowne bridges all charge both ways.

[Gummiente]

Ralph, thanks for the TWIC info, I'll look into that. And yes, I already have a passport.

Bikerboy, the lady I spoke with on the phone today told me to take the Center Ave exit off the QEW and the building would be at the end of the street. She said it's the last exit before the bridge, but does that mean I pass through Customs first after taking the exit?

Holly, thanks for the well wishes. Adventures are what I'm looking forward to; I've only traveled a few of the States and most of Canada. There's always a new road to explore somewhere, right?

[bikerboy]

it must be the exit before the one that says trucks to usa exit here, cuz i think that one is called duty free way, so central ave, would be the last real exit, wher you can turn around and stay in canada,
since if you take duty free way, you must go to the bridge.

if you go the way they told you, you should not have to come back through canada customs and not have to pay a toll, thats probly why they said to come that way.

[ralph]

Bikerboy, the lady I spoke with on the phone today told me to take the Center Ave exit off the QEW and the building would be at the end of the street. She said it's the last exit before the bridge, but does that mean I pass through Customs first after taking the exit?


It's Central Ave, not Centre/Center. Exit 1A.

[Gummiente]

It's Central Ave, not Centre/Center. Exit 1A.
D'OH!!! You are correct, my bad. :doh:

[hellcat_99]

Ralph, thanks for the TWIC info, I'll look into that. And yes, I already have a passport.

Bikerboy, the lady I spoke with on the phone today told me to take the Center Ave exit off the QEW and the building would be at the end of the street. She said it's the last exit before the bridge, but does that mean I pass through Customs first after taking the exit?

Holly, thanks for the well wishes. Adventures are what I'm looking forward to; I've only traveled a few of the States and most of Canada. There's always a new road to explore somewhere, right?

You are more then welcome.
I know I,m called Miss Mary sunshine @ times, but I truly believe that every experience is a learning experience. There are bad & good in this industry. You need to take the bad & try to see what you can learn fron it.
Life is never on the straight & narrow.:dont_know:
Holly

[buzzy]

You are more then welcome.
I know I,m called Miss Mary sunshine @ times, but I truly believe that every experience is a learning experience. There are bad & good in this industry. You need to take the bad & try to see what you can learn fron it.
Life is never on the straight & narrow.:dont_know:
Holly

:10_1_138[1]::10_1_138[1]::10_1_138[1]:

You can't fool us. WE know how you got your code-name. "Miss MARY SUNSHINE"!! Let me get my hip-waders. It's starting to pile up.

[buzzy]

I'm booked for the FAST interview in Fort Erie on 2 Sep, that was the earliest I could get it.

To get to the FAST Office in Ft Erie:
By car: QEW to Central ave. End of ramp turn right. Just before the next lite the office is on the left.
By Truck: follo QEW to Peace Bridge. enter for Duty Free truck parking lot. Follo drive past the Duty Free go under Central Ave. bridge and the Fast office will be on the right.

[maan]

Ok, you've all probably heard the story before... an impressionable young kid sees the movie "White Line Fever" back in '75 and vows that some day he will be a truck driver, but life gets in the way and he ends up making other choices that send him down a different path.

Yeah.. bit of a bummer when life gets in the way but..


Fast forward to the present day and that once young stud is now a military veteran, edging 50, who has just been laid off from his supposedly secure job as a Millwright in an ice cream factory (I know, you'd think it was the perfect job in a recession-proof industry but, no). Tired of working for buttheads and tired of being a skilled trade worker in an ever vanishing industrial setting, he has just thrown caution to the wind and launched what will be his third - and hopefully most successful - career...

great to hear being able to give it a go.. Better late than never! Better to get involved with trucking with maturity & solid life experience too!

Before you know it, trucking will be hummimg again & given your background, I expect you will have no problems getting going regardless of what is going on & making of trucking what you like.

All comes down to attitude & cup half empty or full thing..

You will still be working or running into alot of buttheads though.. one way or another..:Trucker:

Cheers